Q: A storm in January destroyed the brick patio at our beachfront property in New Hampshire. Looking for advice on environmentally appropriate, durable patio materials. Wondering if brick is the best material as it is easy to repair and if we should just fix it. -- G.M. A: Salt water (assuming you are on the ocean), is a harsh environment for most building materials. If … [Read more...] about Patios & Decks for Coastal Homes
Exteriors
Why Is Water Leaking Above Windows?
Q: During wind driven heavy rain, I get water coming in at the top of several windows. The single-story ho me is sheathed in plywood that is cover in poly sheeting. I removed the top outer trim on top of a leaking window and found no water behind the trim or on the exterior portion of the metal window frame. The water appears to be coming down the sheathing BEHIND the poly. … [Read more...] about Why Is Water Leaking Above Windows?
How To Prevent Woodpeckers From Damaging House
Q: We have a number of woodpecker holes in our wood fascia and corner boards and are looking for suggestions for how keep them away. The activity seems to be mostly in the spring when we often hear a loud rat-a-tat sound in the mornings. We’ve even caught sight of them in the morning. They seem to be downy or hairy woodpeckers, not the large pileated type. -- DH A: … [Read more...] about How To Prevent Woodpeckers From Damaging House
How to Attach Deck Ledger to Brick Veneer
Q: What is the best way to attach a framing ledger to my brick veneer house? I’ve looked at the SimsonStrong Tie BVLZ connector but it is not approved yet in Ontario, Canada. I’m building a one-story addition with a low-slope roof that will attach to a two-story brick-veneer exterior wall. The floor joist ledger is attached directly to the foundation. I wish to attach a … [Read more...] about How to Attach Deck Ledger to Brick Veneer
What Caused Cupping in Vertical Siding?
Q: Our vertical cedar board siding became uniformly cupped with outside edges pushing outward along with knots pushing outward. Does the direction of cupping and knot displacement suggest where the moisture came from? Thank You -- Dan A: Wood expands and contracts as its moisture content rises and falls. Increases in wood moisture content can result from exposure to liquid … [Read more...] about What Caused Cupping in Vertical Siding?
How to Install Flange Windows with Felt Paper
Q: I am installing a new window in a garage wall in California. The window manufacturer states in the instructions that a backing (not more than 1/8 inch thick) "MUST" be installed for "open stud" construction. This is my case (open stud construction), and I planned to wrap my exterior wall with #30 felt. So, I searched the local lumber and box stores and found a 4x8 vinyl … [Read more...] about How to Install Flange Windows with Felt Paper
How To Clean & Stain Weathered Redwood Siding
Q: My redwood house is 40 years old and was never stained. It is weathered gray. Can I stain it now and if so what prep work is needed and what stain should I use? – K.H. A: If the underlying wood is still solid, You can certainly stain old redwood siding as long as you do the necessary prep work. As with any paint job, the prep work is the most important … [Read more...] about How To Clean & Stain Weathered Redwood Siding
Concrete Patio Tiles Crumbling; Manufacturer Denies Claim
Q: We live in Los Angeles County, California. We extended our concrete patio in 2013 and had it finished with concrete patio tile that look like terra-cotta. We were told this tile is more expensive, but it will last us a lifetime. There is a lifetime warranty on this material. Now - only 6 years later - the tile is blistering and corroding. We contacted the tile … [Read more...] about Concrete Patio Tiles Crumbling; Manufacturer Denies Claim